Author

Date of Award

Degree Name

Department

First Advisor

Dr. Valerian Kwigizile

Second Advisor

Dr. Jun-Seok Oh

Third Advisor

Dr. Abiola Akanmu

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Restricted to Campus until

12-15-2024

Abstract

At fixed weigh station, the movement of commercial vehicles (CMVs) from and back to the mainline traffic stream could create conflicts in traffic stream in its vicinity. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of presence of weigh stations on injury severity and frequency of crashes on Michigan freeways. A comparison study, which observed crash patterns in the vicinity of 12 fixed weigh stations as compared to crash patterns in the vicinity of 65 rest areas and 77 selected comparison segments, was conducted. The study used eight years (2004 to 2011) crash data recorded in Michigan freeways. Three major influential segments (ISs) were identified: (1) before facility, (2) at facility, and (3) after facility. Moreover, comparison segments (CSs) that have similar characteristics as the ISs were identified. The severity model (ordered probit)' indicated that presence of weigh station had a positive coefficient which indicates that segments in the vicinity of weigh stations in Michigan are more likely to experience severe crashes compared to rest areas and comparison segments. The results of the frequency model (negative binomial) indicate that the incremental segment between 5280-ft: 3000-ft from the exit gore at weigh stations is more prone to high crash frequency. Overall, this study showed that Michigan freeway segments in the vicinity of weigh stations are associated with relatively more severe and higher frequency of crashes.